Those That Have Gone Before

Samhain is here, and deep feelings for my departed friends and family are rampant today.

To my Dad; thank you for all your hard-won life lessons.  You passed them on to us, and you taught us the values of truth and sharing and compassion.

To my Mom; I still miss you so much.  We had a wonderful life here in Arizona.  For all your neuroses, Mom, you were still the strongest woman I have ever known.

To my Auntie; you were the great balancer between Mom and Dad, the third parent, the older sister, the friend.  I will always have "Travels With My Aunt" in mind whenever I think of you; that and "Stormy Weather!"

To my brother Bunny; You were always so handsome, and strong and kind.  You raised a fine family and gave them your gifts of love and compassion.

To my brother Pico; The world is not quite right here without you.  But you know, your boys are simply wonderful, and your daughter is making one hell of a good woman.  I love you.

To my brother Jes; The first Halloween without you, my brother, and it's very hard.  I'm so happy you had Lauri by your side for so many years.  I will miss our phone calls.  When next we meet, I'm going to hug you SO hard, and you won't be able to get away. :)

There are so many lessons each of you taught; we have only ourselves to blame if we didn't choose to learn them.  Cousin Helene, we found each other through the gift of the world wide web, and I was blessed to have you in my life for even the shortest of times.  But I will keep in touch with Noe, that I promise.

And all my family still here with me, you can't imagine how much love I have for you.  You have sustained me in so many ways.  I could not fight these hideous cancers without your support, love, encouragement and comfort.

Have a happy Halloween everyone; keep your Trick-or-Treaters safe!